Nonlinear Optics: Basic Concepts - Softcover

Mills, D. L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0387541926 ISBN 13: 9780387541921

Publisher: Springer-Verlag, 1991

Synopsis

The text presents the key concepts in nonlinear optics at a level that will also be accessible to the non-specialist who wishes to acquire a foundation in the field. The principal equations of nonlinear physics are also encountered (Sine Gordon equation, nonlinear Schrödinger equation), and their soliton solutions examined and related to nonlinear optics. The final chapter addresses the chaotic response of nonlinear systems. The book will appeal to graduate students in physics, physical chemistry and electronic engineering. The major topics include principles of the linear and nonlinear dielectronic response of matter, second-harmonic generation, four-wave mixing, and the inelastic scattering of light from matter, with attention also given to stimulated scattering. The highly nonlinear response of nearly resonant two-level systems is discussed, also in relation to saturation and self-induced transparency. Guided waves in optical fibers are explored, including the propagation of solition pulses. The nonlinear optical response of periodic structures is examined as well. This book is addressed to a broad audience interested in a thorough discussion of basic concepts. It facilitates access to the research literature, and will prepare the reader to tackle more advanced texts.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Nonlinear Optics presents the key concepts of this field, within a framework aimed at the non-specialist versed in classical electromagnetic theory. It will provide the foundation necessary for access to the specialized literature. The following topics are covered, with emphasis on the key, basic concepts: - Linear and Nonlinear Optical Response of Dispersive Media, - Nonlinear Wave Mixing, - Response of Nearly Resonant Two Systems, - Linear and Nonlinear Pulse Propagation in Fibers, - Linear and Nonlinear Surface Optics, - Basic Concepts of Magneto Opitcs, - Introduction to Chaotic Response of Systems

Review

"Fundamental principles and experimental results make this a very complete and accessible introduction. Used either as the basic of an MSc-level course or as a reader, this book will be invaluable as an introduction to the field for beginning graduates in physics or engineering. It will also provide an excellent overview and reference work for researchers already active in the field." (Physicalia 35/1999) Anyone planning to use this book as a guide for a second- year graduate course in nonlinear optics would have to include a great deal of outside reading, or supplement it with one of the more established texts in the field (for example, Yarivs). As a note on structure, I would have appreciated a much more detailed index, and especially an author index with cross references to the subject index. Given the audience Mills is attempting to address, these additions would add greatly to its usefulness. I recommend this book to any first-year graduate student who may wish to learn about the opportunities of this exciting field. But to really learn what is going on, or what is involved in the subject, the student will need to be guided by a book that goes into greater details. RICHARD R. FREEMAN University of Californio, Dauis Physics Today, 9, 1999 This will be an extremely useful text for those wishing to enter the field of non-linear optics, provided that they already are well-versed in electromagnetic . theory and the basic tools of mathematical physics. ln short this is a book for practised theoretical (or; at least, theoretically-minded) physicists who wish to gain familiarity with the subject for interest or for research. It will also be useful as a reference for practi- cal physicists in the field, provided that it is sup- plemented with texts which provide more data from the real world. The book contains well-considered problems at the end of each chapter (but no solutions), three useful appendices, and a comprehensive reference list. A.J. Rogers King's College London, School of Physical Sciences, (Optics and Laser Technology, 31, 1999 "The text develops the basic principles that underlie nonlinear optical phenomena in matter, in an approach orientated to the general reader or student with a background in classical electromagnetic theory. ...The text is aimed at the student or researcher who is not a specialist in optics, and who wishes to acquire an introduction to the principal concepts as a precursor to the consultation of the specialized literature." P. Fleischmann, Zeitschrift für Licht und Elektronenoptik, 2000, 111, 11

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387541926
• ISBN 13: 9780387541921
• Binding: Paperback